Attending Introduction
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine and has over 30 years experience in the greater Baltimore area. Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor from 2014 to 2020 for Hyperbaric Medicine.
This attending has been hosting rotations for FMG Portal students for years and is affiliated with The University of Maryland, Baltimore. Has nearly two decades of experience in the delivery of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). This is a hands-on rotation and you will be able to talk with patients and examine them.
Rotation Description
Your rotation in Internal Medicine with FMG Portal will provide you with hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of adult medical conditions under the supervision of your experienced attending physician.
Additionally, your performance during this rotation will lead to obtaining a US LOR, which is essential for your upcoming residency program applications.
Patient Evaluation and Selection:
- Initial Assessments: Learning to identify patients who would benefit from HBOT, such as those with diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness.
- History and Physical Examination: Conducting thorough history-taking and physical exams to evaluate the appropriateness of HBOT for each patient.
- Contraindications Identification: Recognizing contraindications for HBOT, such as untreated pneumothorax, certain types of chemotherapy, or active respiratory infections.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Administration:
- Chamber Operations: Observing and assisting in the operation of the hyperbaric chamber, which involves controlling pressure levels and ensuring the patient’s safety inside the chamber.
- Patient Preparation: Preparing patients for therapy, including explaining the procedure, ensuring proper attire, and assisting with ear equalization techniques to prevent barotrauma.
- Monitoring During Treatment: Monitoring vital signs, oxygen levels, and patient comfort during therapy sessions to detect potential side effects like oxygen toxicity, barotrauma, or seizures.
Management of Common Conditions Treated with HBOT:
- Chronic Wounds: Participating in the management of chronic, non-healing wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure injuries. Students will observe how HBOT can accelerate healing by promoting oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues.
- Radiation Tissue Damage: Assisting in the treatment of patients with radiation-induced injuries (such as osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue necrosis), where HBOT is used to enhance tissue regeneration.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Learning to treat acute cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, a medical emergency where HBOT can rapidly remove carbon monoxide from the bloodstream.
- Decompression Sickness (the Bends): Observing the use of HBOT for divers experiencing decompression sickness, which results from rapid changes in pressure.
Typical Activities/Procedures
- Explaining HBOT Benefits: Educating patients about the potential benefits of HBOT, including how it enhances oxygen delivery to tissues and promotes healing in certain conditions.
- Risk Communication: Discussing possible risks and side effects of HBOT, such as ear and sinus pressure, oxygen toxicity, and claustrophobia.
- Lifestyle and Wound Care Guidance: Providing advice on how to manage underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes) that may contribute to wound healing, and offering tips on lifestyle changes to promote overall health.
Letter of Recommendation
LORs are on the official clinic letterhead. You may also ask the attending to include hospital affiliations on your LOR, and you can also mention them on your CV and Personal Statement.
Location & Schedule
*Exact address provided once signed up.
*Schedules change often and we recommend speaking with the office manager to have the most updated daily scheduling.
